Illapel is found on a plain, on the side of the Illapel river, 60 km northeast of Los Vilos and 255 km south of Ovalle. It has a population of 28,968.

It was first founded in 1752, but at that time it was located on a different site. In 1788 it was re-founded in the place where it now lies, to better suit the miners and landowners of the valley. Nowadays it relies on agriculture and a small amount of mining.

Illapel is a very busy city, and its traditions and marked archeological setting stand out, as well as its colonial buildings.

During your stay you should visit the Plaza de Armas, with the Town Hall opposite, a lovely building in the colonial style. The Casa Villarroel, the Casas del Mirador and the Casas de La Puntilla are also recommended.